San Diego Comic-Con 2026 produced a mixed bag of highlights and disappointments across major franchises, with Marvel and HBO's "Lanterns" drawing strong reactions while DC's film studio was notably quiet. Marvel impressed attendees with casting news including David Jonsson joining "Black Panther III" and Ryan Gosling as the new Ghost Rider, alongside a well-received "Avengers: Doomsday" sizzle reel that improved on its earlier trailer, with Robert Downey Jr. praising the film to press.

HBO's "Lanterns" overcame prior controversy to screen a stronger trailer and seven clips to positive response, while DC Comics dominated the Eisner Awards with eight outright wins and two shared. However, DC Studios offered little film news, with James Gunn absent while filming "Man of Tomorrow" and "Clayface" relegated to a smaller panel, contrasting with Marvel's typical multi-year slate reveal. Elsewhere, Mike Flanagan debuted a trailer for his Prime Video adaptation of Stephen King's "Carrie," and Johnny Depp made a notable comeback appearance in costume promoting Paramount's "Ebenezer."